ARROWS, IRA, M. D., of Providence, R. I., was born in South Attleborough, Mass., November 18th, 1804.
His preparatory education completed, he entered Brown University, from which he was graduated in 1824. He immediately commenced the study of medicine in
Pawtucket, R. I. (then Mass.), with Dr. Artemus Johnson. In 1826-'27, he attended lectures in the medical department of Harvard University, graduating
in the latter year. He commenced the practice of medicine in Pawtucket, R. I., and continued there until 1837. Suffering from feeble health, he disposed
of his business to Dr. Benoni Carpenter, and went to Cincinnati. His health improving, he returned to the East, in 1840, and resumed the practice of
medicine in Norton, Mass., thirteen miles from Pawtucket. In that year, he was invited by Dr. Carpenter to unite with him in partnership. This
partnership was discontinued by mutual consent in about six or eight months, and he remained in Norton. In 1842, having adopted the homopathic system
of practice, he extended his rides through several towns in Bristol county, and into Pawtucket. Here a question arose between Dr. Carpenter and himself
as to his right to practice in the latter place. Dr. Barrows contended that the partnership rendered void the pledge, and that his practicing as a
homopathist could not affect Dr. Carpenter's practice as an allopathist. Dr. Carpenter maintained the contrary. The question was taken up by the
Massachusetts Medical Society, of which both were members ; and under a by-law, which provided for the expulsion of members who were convicted of
"gross immorality," he was expelled, because as a homopathist he had encroached upon the ground occupied by an allopath in disregard of a
pledge, which, by the partnership made subsequent to said pledge, was really null. He removed to Providence, R. I., in 1850, where he continues
earnestly and effectively to extend the doctrines of homopathy in partnership with Dr. Geo. D. Wilcox.